Dhaka: As part of preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Election Commission (EC) today entered its second day of hearings on demarcation objections related to constituencies in the Khulna, Barisal, and Chattogram regions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the hearing commenced at 10:00 am in the auditorium of the Election Commission Building in the capital’s Agargaon, with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin presiding over the session. The proceedings are scheduled to continue until 5:00 pm, with participation from election commissioners and the secretary of the EC Secretariat.
Initially, the hearings addressed claims and objections related to the Satkhira-3, 4 and Jessore-3, 6 constituencies, followed by discussions on Bagerhat-1, 2, and 3 constituencies, which are set to conclude by 12:30 pm. Legal representatives, as well as applicants, are actively presenting their cases concerning the re-demarcation of these parliamentary constituencies.
The EC is committed to an impartial resolution of these claims and objections, ensuring adherence to legal procedures and regulations. From 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, additional hearings will be conducted for the constituencies of Jhalokathi-1, Barguna-1, 2, Pirojpur-1, 2, 3, Chattogram-3, 5, 8, 19, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.
On the previous day, the EC addressed claims and objections concerning the re-demarcation of 18 parliamentary constituencies across six districts in the Cumilla region. A total of 811 applications were resolved, comprising 429 objections and 382 suggestions regarding the re-demarcated boundaries.
During the initial hearing on Sunday, CEC A M M Nasir Uddin emphasized the commission’s commitment to professional and impartial conduct, stating, “We have tried to work professionally and impartially. The opportunity for claims and objections on the draft boundaries has been provided according to the law.” He further encouraged applicants to present logical arguments during the hearings.
Hearings are scheduled to continue tomorrow for claims and objections from the Dhaka region, with sessions planned for various constituencies throughout the day. Additional hearings for the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Faridpur, and Sylhet regions are set for August 27.
As of August 10, the EC had received a total of 1,760 claims and objections concerning the boundaries of 83 constituencies. The final boundaries will be published after thorough resolution of these submissions.